Long-eared Hedgehog
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| Long-eared Hedgehog[1] | ||||||||||||||
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 Long-eared hedgehog in captivity in Leningrad Zoo. Photo by I.V.Korneev
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| Hemiechinus auritus (Gmelin,SG, 1770) |
The Long-eared Hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus) is a species of hedgehog native to Central Asian countries and the Caucasus mountains. It is smaller than the West European Hedgehog; it weighs at most 500 grams (around 200 on average), and is much faster. It is less likely to curl up in a ball when approached by predators and will most likely try and outrun or leap at predators with their relatively short needles. Due to its lifestyle, it has less needle protection and shorter needles.
The Long-eared Hedgehog uses grass nests as shelter, and has numerous enemies. It hibernates from late October to March. Its life span is about 5-6 years.[citation needed]
Since the Long-eared Hedgehog is naturally parasite prone and can carry diseases as bad as plague, it is highly recommended that, if kept as pet, it should be purchased from a respected dealer.
[edit] References
- ^ Hutterer, Rainer (2005-11-16). in Wilson, D. E., and Reeder, D. M. (eds): Mammal Species of the World, 3rd edition, Johns Hopkins University Press, 215. ISBN 0-801-88221-4.
- ^ Insectivore Specialist Group (1996). Hemiechinus auritus. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 2006-05-06. Database entry includes a brief justification of why this species is of least concern
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